Physical Geography - The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity

Question 1

L1 Define hydrological

Answer 1

Study of water on Earth

Question 2

L1 Summarise solar energy’s role in the water cycle

Answer 2

• Water on the surface is heated by the Sun’s energy and evapourates
• It is also drawn from the soil and evapourated from leaves in the process of evapotranspiration
• When humid air rises, condensation forms clouds which leads to precipitation

Question 3

L1 Summarise Gravitational Potential Energy’s role in the water cycle

Answer 3

• On Earth’s surface GPE is converted to KE & water moves through the system by plant interception or over land or surface run off
• Water flows through soil as infiltration, percolation, & throughflow
• Water is stored as soil moisture or if the rock is permeable then it will percolate & be stored as groundwater
• Over time some of this water returns to the ocean via rivers & can be stored in lakes/glaciers en route

Question 4

L1 Describe the location of the Earth’s total water

Answer 4

97% is in the ocean, 2.5% is freshwater

Of the total freshwater, 69% is in ice caps/glaciers (cryosphere) & 30% is groundwater

Question 5

L1 Define Global Water Budget

Answer 5

Balance of water fluxes (flows) and the size of stores